Beyond the box score: Why Arkansas beat Penn State in Outback Bowl

Arkansas used a massive running game, a stout defense and KJ Jefferson to dispatch Penn State in the Outback Bowl.

Arkansas coach Sam Pittman wasn’t going to change horses midstream. He was going to dance with the girl he brought. He was, well, all of those other cliches.

The Razorbacks stuck to what they did best all throughout the 2021 season and made Penn State pay in the Outback Bowl, 24-10.

Quarterback KJ Jefferson, like he was all season long, was the biggest reason why. But he was hardly alone. Wide receivers like Tyson Morris and De’Vion Warren stepped up in their final games as Razorbacks players in the stead of Treylon Burks. Arkansas’ running back balance, which had all year long, continued in dominant fashion. And the Hogs defense made Penn State one-dimensional and took advantage late.

It all added up to one of the most complete games of Arkansas’ season and a nearly perfect capper to Arkansas’ best season in a decade.